New Generation Rollingstock

[Stillwater]

Consultants engaged by the CRU have spelled out the facts -- the ones that QR has known all along, but have been in denial about.  It is worrying that TMR wants QR to accept the NGR trains into service while, apparently, there are substantial outstanding design issues.  Has not TMR learned anything from Redcliffe Peninsula Line woes?

The consultants say their are not going to have 18 trains in service by the time the Commonwealth Games roll around.  How many days is that?  And 94 per cent of the existing fleet has to be available to service the timetable -- who believes that with all the mechanical issues of late?  So, what is Plan B?

[ozbob]

It's time the Minister gave a comprehensive status report.

From a consultant's report:

"As NGR implementation coincides with the Commonwealth Games there is pressure on all parties for timely approval of the new fleet. At the time of interviewing, there were 140 deficiencies, including door control and brake control, that needed to be rectified in the NGR commissioning process. There appears to be a blockage in resolving the issues with the remaining deficiencies. In the Consultant´s experience, this type of situation requires an independent mediator to assist the parties to resolve the matter.

"It is understood that 18 NGR trains are required to service the proposed Commonwealth Games timetable (we note that the timetable is still being agreed and this number may change). There is a tight commissioning schedule for NGR trains as two to three are planned to be commissioned every month. Due to the current blockages and high risk of 'juvenile failures', a conservative view would be that 18 NGR trains will not be ready by April 2018. Furthermore, a number of interviewees identified the risk that not enough train crew would be available to meet the proposed timetable.

"Given the need for the retiring EMU and ICE fleets to operate at 94% of availability for the Commonwealth Games, there is a high risk of delays due to failures. For example, the Citytrain rollingstock reliability report from May 2017, states that since April 2016, of the 19 highest delay contributing incidents, 16 were caused by the EMU fleet.

"The QR NGR and Commonwealth Games project teams do not appear to be adequately staffed. In contrast, a major project such as ETCS appears to have sufficient staff at this early procurement tender stage. As the NGR and Commonwealth Games are priority projects, there may be an opportunity to temporarily redeploy staff between the project teams."

RECOMMENDATIONS

"Although QR has engaged its own independent verifier, consider jointly engaging a verifier acceptable to both Bombardier and QR to assist the parties in resolving the remaining deficiencies.

"That QR confirm whether there are adequate numbers and levels of engineers for the purposes of approving NGR trains (also consider the balance between outcomes, standards, safety and the customer).

"That QR continue to closely monitor the commissioning of the NGR trains and the planning in relation to ensuring there are adequate numbers of train drivers for the purposes of the Commonwealth Games.

"That QR develop options (including detailed action plans) to mitigate risks to the successful delivery of NGR/Commonwealth Games.

"Consider whether resources from longer-term projects (e.g. ETCS) could be redeployed to support the NGR and Commonwealth Games operational readiness projects for the period up to May 2018."

Warning: Clusterfuk fast approaching.  QR has been informed of the problems and the possible solutions.  What's the betting they stuff it?

AND, the consultants have identified the elephant in the room:

"The Consultants observed a general lack of trust and partnership between QR and TransLink/TMR. This appears to have developed over time with the changing relationship between the parties and the shifting of responsibilities away from QR.

"The tension between the parties was observed in relation to matters such as:

"Major project interfaces not working as effectively as they need to (e.g. for NGR acceptance - QR considers that they are being pressured to accept the trains whereas in TMR's view the QR engineers are being overly cautious)
"Clarity of roles, responsibilities and accountabilities between the parties (e.g. who is responsible for the development of strategy and which aspect of strategy)
"There is general confusion and competition for the customer (e.g. in the area of customer communications)."

AND why those train line problems?

"In the Consultant's experience, a standardised line categorisation is important for the purposes of guiding the network maintenance schedule. Without this approach, problems can occur in relation to inconsistent and inefficient maintenance cycles."

AND the consultants identified problems with driver training and found that:

"There is a need for a robust review of the heavy reliance on the use of overtime in parts of the organisation, including consideration of the impacts of this practice.

"Identify methods to modernise and streamline in-house training programs."

Lo and behold, the consultants found that there are silos at QR:

And the recommendations?

"Investigate whether managers have an existing shared commitment toward the achievement of a common goal (e.g. OTR KPI) and develop measures to develop or enhance this commitment

"Review whether the set-up of a management trainee program for newly recruited or promoted managers, including job shadowing and project involvement in other divisions, could be adopted to enhance their understanding of other business units' remits and challenges

"Consider whether it is appropriate to make a change to the organisational structure."

RailBOT has been banging on about all these issues for the past two years, or longer.

Well put.  I think from memory from the last public declaration of outstanding issues with NGR there were 43 ( whittled down from 140 )...

Trains are still not in revenue service.

I don't think there is really a plan B, other than further gut the rail network of services to support the Games ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/903377130330800128

[ozbob]

https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/903476588657782784

[ozbob]

https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17

• In the role of Director (NGR) you will:
• Undertake responsibilities, both legal and financial and all duties required of State Representative under the NGR Project Deed.
• Strategic oversight of the NGR Project Deed and all A&M Activities (including asset management and defects functions)
• Manage the day-to-day operations within the TransLink New Generation Rollongstock (NGR)
• Lead and coordinate the operational planning, implementation and management of the NGR project, ensuring TransLink organisational operational readiness during NGR operations
• Accountabilities include:
• Undertake all duties required of 'State Representative' under the NGR Project Deed.
• Develop and sustain positive partnering relationships to ensure a strong interface between internal stakeholders and the NGR project team, Queensland Rail, Bombardier, Qtectic, external agencies, community groups and other major stakeholders.
• Oversee the NGR project deed and operations activities including:
• Asset management, defects and maintenance functions.
• Budget, CBRC briefings, procurement costs and payments.
• Management of residual activities arising from development and construction.
• Managing operator performance to meet KPIs and other specified standards.
• Taking a performace improvement approach to service delivery and overseeing the consequential actions for the payment mechanism.
• Represent the Division on high-level Working Groups, Advisory Committees, Steering Committees and associated forums relating to operations and associated activities.
• Contributing towards TMR knowledge management by translating appropriate NGR experiences to the wider TransLink service contract and stakeholder management environment.
• Personal accountability for delivery of agreed outcomes, modelling high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour; demonstrating self awareness and a commitment to personal development
• Provision of a safe and healthy workplace through managing resources to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety and employee rehabilitation legislation, codes of practice, standards and departmental policy and procedure including risk management and corrective action programs
• This role reports to the Executive Director Rail Performance, Contracts and Operations and manages a team of six

On the organisational chart for DTMR, this position does not appear, although General Manager - New Generation Rollingstock Simon Cook is shown.  This might be a new position to help get the NGRs back on track?

[Stillwater]

Good to sideline Mr Cook.  For the tasks and responsibilities, one would expect a higher salary.  Maybe this shows the government finally is getting serious about NGR trains, actually doing something beyond the bluff and bluster of recent times.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd September 2017

Movement at the station - NGR Project Director (Temp) advertised

Good Morning,

Some interesting news. A position for Temporary Director (New Generation Rollingstock) has been advertised on the Smart Jobs web site. Job description below.

> https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17

Temporary Director (New Generation Rollingstock)
Transport and Main Roads (Organisation site)
New Generation Rollingstock; Passenger Transport Services; TransLink; Brisbane

We are seeking a high performing and innovative Director (NGR) to contribute to our vision: Connecting Queensland – delivering transport for prosperity.

Is this a sign that finally the Government and DTMR are getting serious about the NGR trains?  It is now 560 days since the first NGR train was towed to Wulkuraka.

On the organisational chart for DTMR ( https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/About-us/Our-organisation/Organisational-structure.aspx ), there is no Director (NGR) shown, although a General Manager- New Generation Rollingstock Mr Simon Cook is shown.  So we can only assume that this is a new position?

This project is perhaps the biggest botch in the history of public transport in Queensland in our opinion. Our request to the Queensland Auditor General for an audit into this project was declined.  Requests for an inquiry into this project ignored. The question has to be asked  - ' why is this NGR project botch trying to be buried by the authorities?  '

It is difficult to have much confidence that these new trains will be in revenue passenger service any time soon.  Queensland Rail is battling on valiantly with an aging and increasingly failing train fleet.  This is not helping to restore confidence in our rail service.

What a mess!

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org


https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17

• In the role of Director (NGR) you will:
• Undertake responsibilities, both legal and financial and all duties required of State Representative under the NGR Project Deed.
• Strategic oversight of the NGR Project Deed and all A&M Activities (including asset management and defects functions)
• Manage the day-to-day operations within the TransLink New Generation Rollongstock (NGR)
• Lead and coordinate the operational planning, implementation and management of the NGR project, ensuring TransLink organisational operational readiness during NGR operations
• Accountabilities include:
• Undertake all duties required of 'State Representative' under the NGR Project Deed.
• Develop and sustain positive partnering relationships to ensure a strong interface between internal stakeholders and the NGR project team, Queensland Rail, Bombardier, Qtectic, external agencies, community groups and other major stakeholders.
• Oversee the NGR project deed and operations activities including:
• Asset management, defects and maintenance functions.
• Budget, CBRC briefings, procurement costs and payments.
• Management of residual activities arising from development and construction.
• Managing operator performance to meet KPIs and other specified standards.
• Taking a performace improvement approach to service delivery and overseeing the consequential actions for the payment mechanism.
• Represent the Division on high-level Working Groups, Advisory Committees, Steering Committees and associated forums relating to operations and associated activities.
• Contributing towards TMR knowledge management by translating appropriate NGR experiences to the wider TransLink service contract and stakeholder management environment.
• Personal accountability for delivery of agreed outcomes, modelling high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour; demonstrating self awareness and a commitment to personal development
• Provision of a safe and healthy workplace through managing resources to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety and employee rehabilitation legislation, codes of practice, standards and departmental policy and procedure including risk management and corrective action programs
• This role reports to the Executive Director Rail Performance, Contracts and Operations and manages a team of six

( we all make typos but seriously quite a few in this by DTMR hey? Another sign of Not Going Right train botch hey? )

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/903660960740663297

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/903662348602294272

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/903664206200709120

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/903665076179046400

[Stillwater]

... So are the days of our lives.

[ozbob]

... So are the days of our lives.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd September 2017

NGR Project Director (Temp) advertised - some questions

Good Morning,

Some questions to ponder:

1.  Why is the position NGR Project Director (Temp) being advertised now?  Is this to cover an existing position or is it a new position? The fact that the job duration is 6 months with possible extension suggests a new position?

2.  If this is a new position why wasn't the position in place years ago? This project is completely botched and is a sad indictment on many.

3.  The role of Director (NGR) as listed on https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17 is rather demanding.  The remuneration (yearly salary) seems inadequate and out of step with the role? Sorting out this mess will be a mammoth task. Will this dissuade high class candidates from applying?

4.  When will the public be told the full details of this botched project, and why are the trains are not in revenue service and the real reasons why imports have ceased? Spin and bluster doesn't help.

Not Going Right trains!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

2nd September 2017

Movement at the station - NGR Project Director (Temp) advertised

Good Morning,

Some interesting news. A position for Temporary Director (New Generation Rollingstock) has been advertised on the Smart Jobs web site. Job description below.

> https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17

Temporary Director (New Generation Rollingstock)
Transport and Main Roads (Organisation site)
New Generation Rollingstock; Passenger Transport Services; TransLink; Brisbane

We are seeking a high performing and innovative Director (NGR) to contribute to our vision: Connecting Queensland – delivering transport for prosperity.

Is this a sign that finally the Government and DTMR are getting serious about the NGR trains?  It is now 560 days since the first NGR train was towed to Wulkuraka.

On the organisational chart for DTMR ( https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/About-us/Our-organisation/Organisational-structure.aspx ), there is no Director (NGR) shown, although a General Manager- New Generation Rollingstock Mr Simon Cook is shown.  So we can only assume that this is a new position?

This project is perhaps the biggest botch in the history of public transport in Queensland in our opinion. Our request to the Queensland Auditor General for an audit into this project was declined.  Requests for an inquiry into this project ignored. The question has to be asked  - ' why is this NGR project botch trying to be buried by the authorities?  '

It is difficult to have much confidence that these new trains will be in revenue passenger service any time soon.  Queensland Rail is battling on valiantly with an aging and increasingly failing train fleet.  This is not helping to restore confidence in our rail service.

What a mess!

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org


https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-252494-17

• In the role of Director (NGR) you will:
• Undertake responsibilities, both legal and financial and all duties required of State Representative under the NGR Project Deed.
• Strategic oversight of the NGR Project Deed and all A&M Activities (including asset management and defects functions)
• Manage the day-to-day operations within the TransLink New Generation Rollongstock (NGR)
• Lead and coordinate the operational planning, implementation and management of the NGR project, ensuring TransLink organisational operational readiness during NGR operations
• Accountabilities include:
• Undertake all duties required of 'State Representative' under the NGR Project Deed.
• Develop and sustain positive partnering relationships to ensure a strong interface between internal stakeholders and the NGR project team, Queensland Rail, Bombardier, Qtectic, external agencies, community groups and other major stakeholders.
• Oversee the NGR project deed and operations activities including:
• Asset management, defects and maintenance functions.
• Budget, CBRC briefings, procurement costs and payments.
• Management of residual activities arising from development and construction.
• Managing operator performance to meet KPIs and other specified standards.
• Taking a performace improvement approach to service delivery and overseeing the consequential actions for the payment mechanism.
• Represent the Division on high-level Working Groups, Advisory Committees, Steering Committees and associated forums relating to operations and associated activities.
• Contributing towards TMR knowledge management by translating appropriate NGR experiences to the wider TransLink service contract and stakeholder management environment.
• Personal accountability for delivery of agreed outcomes, modelling high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour; demonstrating self awareness and a commitment to personal development
• Provision of a safe and healthy workplace through managing resources to ensure compliance with workplace health and safety and employee rehabilitation legislation, codes of practice, standards and departmental policy and procedure including risk management and corrective action programs
• This role reports to the Executive Director Rail Performance, Contracts and Operations and manages a team of six

( we all make typos but seriously quite a few in this by DTMR hey? Another sign of Not Going Right train botch hey? )

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/904026215828168705

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/904027065879453697

[Stillwater]

I hope this appointment marks a turning point within the transport agencies -- that something good will come of this.  The cynic in me says this person's tenure runs out after 6 months -- just about the time the brown stuff will hit the fan at Commonwealth Games time.  When it does, minister will come out with loads of apologies and announce that 'the person responsible has paid the ultimate price, the loss of their job'.  Meanwhile, those really responsible will keep their jobs and sail on below the radar.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 4th September 2017 page 15

No sign of NGR trains 560 days on

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/904449858123079680

[ozbob]

I hope this appointment marks a turning point within the transport agencies -- that something good will come of this.  The cynic in me says this person's tenure runs out after 6 months -- just about the time the brown stuff will hit the fan at Commonwealth Games time.  When it does, minister will come out with loads of apologies and announce that 'the person responsible has paid the ultimate price, the loss of their job'.  Meanwhile, those really responsible will keep their jobs and sail on below the radar.

By April 2018 there will be more train crew available. My main concern is with rollingstock, and reliability.

How many NGRs will be in service?  15? 5? Zero? Hard to say considering the ' cone of silence ' ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/qld_times/status/904501792444039168

[ozbob]

This very interesting flashback has a bit on NGR trains towards the end ..

7 News flashback - Electric trains

>> https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/32464088/7-news-flashback-electric-trains/

[ozbob]

#NGRfail brought to you by the incompetent Newman @LNPQLD Govt , and a bumbling bureaucracy at @TMRQld ... #youarewelcome#qldpol pic.twitter.com/qFybJqcnjj

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) September 5, 2017

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905240340587675649

[verbatim9]

Is there still a chance to have the first NGR 701 in service on the October Long weekend? Good opportunity to have it commissioned and operational then and just a couple days prior to the new school term.

[ozbob]

Is there still a chance to have the first NGR 701 in service on the October Long weekend? Good opportunity to have it commissioned and operational then and just a couple days prior to the new school term.

Nil chance if they are not DDA compliant.  Not sure if the other remaining issues have been finally resolved either.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Question Time summary from Couriermail

NGR mentioned

===============

SHADOW TRANSPORT MINISTER ANDREW POWELL asked the Premier if she believes the rail system was not in crisis, despite several recent incidents.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Transport Minister was implementing the Strachan Inquiry recommendations.

She then criticised the former LNP government over its decision to sign the contract for the NGR trains, which are being built in India.

"Release the business case and release the Cabinet submissions otherwise he is hiding," Ms Palaszczuk said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Qldfairgo/status/905301494240555008

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905319103736320000

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/905302363153489920

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905322902160949249

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_06_DAILY.pdf

Questions without notice

Queensland Rail

Mr POWELL: My question is to the Premier. In the last three weeks alone, rail commuters were
stuck for an agonising three hours on a train on the Ferny Grove line and left to urinate in the carriage,
a door was left open as a train hurtled along at 100km/h on the Gold Coast line and Sunshine Coast
commuters had to evacuate a train stuck near Narangba. Does the Premier really believe the Deputy
Premier's comments last night and repeated today that these are isolated incidents and not a system
in crisis?

Ms PALASZCZUK: As I said, the Deputy Premier is implementing the Strachan
recommendations, but let us start from the very basic premise that those opposite cut the tutors and
froze recruitment. It caused a huge stress on the system.

Opposition members interjected.

Ms PALASZCZUK: If those opposite want to talk about trains, I would really like to see it table in
this House either (a) its business case for the new rolling stock or (b) its cabinet submission, because
it was all approved under the former government. The fact that there are issues that need to be—

Honourable members interjected.

Ms PALASZCZUK: I am happy for the member to table the cabinet submission. That is what we
want to see. We are more than happy to see those documents if the Leader of the Opposition will
release them. He has the power today to release the business case and the cabinet submission;
otherwise he is hiding. Who signed the contracts? We want to see them very clearly.

Honourable members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the premier.

Ms PALASZCZUK: Let us use a contrast: when I was opposition leader I tabled those cabinet
documents in this House. I had the guts to do it. I had the leadership to do it. Now I challenge the Leader
of the Opposition to do exactly the same. Where is the cabinet submission and where is the business
case? That is the challenge for the Leader of the Opposition today. We want to see it and we want him
to table it today.

=====================

Game on!   

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_06_DAILY.pdf

Questions without notice

Queensland Rail

Mr EMERSON: My question is to the Premier. Last night, and 182 days since the government
accepted all 36 recommendations in the Strachan report, commuters were again stranded with bugger
all information provided by QR about the long delays—

Mr SPEAKER: I find those words totally inappropriate and unparliamentary.

Mr EMERSON: I will withdraw and I will rephrase.

Honourable members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: I am in two minds if I will even allow the question. Member for Ferny Grove,
Minister for Local Government, I think you are going to be warned. 253A. Member for Indooroopilly?

Mr EMERSON: My question is to the Premier. Last night, and 182 days since the government
accepted all 36 recommendations in the Strachan report, commuters were again stranded with limited
information provided by QR about the long delays on their way home. Despite the Strachan report
recommending better communications about faults and delays, why are commuters still being left in the
dark by Queensland Rail and the Deputy Premier?

Ms PALASZCZUK: We did address this issue, but the member is now talking about
communication. My understanding from the reports that I have heard, and I am happy to stand
corrected, is that there were people out on the platforms and at the stations conveying as much
information as they possibly could at the time. Let me also make the second point very clearly: we will
not compromise safety on our rail network.

Mr Powell interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Member for Glass House! The Premier's answer is relevant. You have had a
pretty good go, member for Glass House. I call the Premier.

Mr Watts interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: You are also warned under 253A, member for Toowoomba North. If you persist
I will take the appropriate action.

Ms PALASZCZUK: Nor will we compromise safety in our hospitals. In an earlier answer I asked
the Leader of the Opposition to produce the contracts or the business case or the cabinet submission
for the new rolling stock. Since the member for Indooroopilly asked me that question, let me remind the
House of what the member for Indooroopilly told parliament, and I quote, 'The New Generation
Rollingstock, a project that we began—'

Mr NICHOLLS: I rise to a point of order. I am always in favour of a good debate at the right time,
everyone knows that, but the question was about the faults and delays with the event that occurred last
night that left commuters stranded. I ask you to rule on relevance because none of the matters that the
Premier is raising were raised in any aspect of the question.

Mr SPEAKER: My ruling is that the answer needs to be relevant. Premier, do you have anything
further that is relevant to the specific question?

Ms PALASZCZUK: It is relevant. I just want to finish the quote made by the member for
Indooroopilly. He asked me the question. He said, 'We are the ones who signed the contract.'

Mr SPEAKER: Premier, no.

Opposition members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: I think we will move on. That applies to everyone. It applies to the member for
Gaven.

===================

The LNP are obviously well aware that they are really now exposed re NGR fail.   Watch. this. space .....

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905471268861788160

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905472204942458880

[Stillwater]

This will be the basis of a savage political debate come election time.  Another example of the focus on the politics of PT, rather than the substance.  Is the information the LNP not releasing political dynamite? .... you betcha.  On balance, it should be released, in the interests of accountability.  We are talking megabucks of taxpayer money - and much more to fix the DDA compliance and other issues with NGR rolling stock.

[ozbob]

This will be the basis of a savage political debate come election time.  Another example of the focus on the politics of PT, rather than the substance.  Is the information the LNP not releasing political dynamite? .... you betcha.  On balance, it should be released, in the interests of accountability.  We are talking megabucks of taxpayer money - and much more to fix the DDA compliance and other issues with NGR rolling stock.

I think most can see now that our request to the Queensland Auditor General for an audit into this project was very well grounded.  It was declined,  sadly in our opinion.

Our subsequent requests for an inquiry have been ignored.  Why?

I doubt very much if the Government does not already have the ' documents demanded ' ...

Much the same way the Opposition was spilling stuff from the  ' secret business case ' for Cross River Rail, then calling for the release of the business case.

It is all part of the show and the attack paradigm being lined up hey?

This is a major major botch this project.  As citizens of Queensland we all deserve and must know why this NGR project is so botched.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th September 2017

Next Generation Rolling a.k.a. Not Going Right trains  (NGR)

Good Morning,

Of great interest to us was that the fact that the Premier referred to the NGR project in Parliament this week.

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_06_DAILY.pdf

Ms PALASZCZUK: If those opposite want to talk about trains, I would really like to see it table in
this House either (a) its business case for the new rolling stock or (b) its cabinet submission, because
it was all approved under the former government. The fact that there are issues that need to be—

Honourable members interjected.

Ms PALASZCZUK: I am happy for the member to table the cabinet submission. That is what we
want to see. We are more than happy to see those documents if the Leader of the Opposition will
release them. He has the power today to release the business case and the cabinet submission;
otherwise he is hiding. Who signed the contracts? We want to see them very clearly.

And https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_09_06_DAILY.pdf

Ms PALASZCZUK: Nor will we compromise safety in our hospitals. In an earlier answer I asked
the Leader of the Opposition to produce the contracts or the business case or the cabinet submission
for the new rolling stock. Since the member for Indooroopilly asked me that question, let me remind the
House of what the member for Indooroopilly told parliament, and I quote, 'The New Generation
Rollingstock, a project that we began—'

If the New Generation Rollingstock are not DDA compliant, then this suggests that the original design was botched.

This project botch, is in our opinion, the most serious failure in the history of Public Transport in Queensland.  We have great concerns and accordingly we requested the Queensland Audit General and the Audit Office to conduct an audit. This was declined.  We have called for an inquiry to be conducted into this project, with the power to subpoena documents and get the truth of this project failure. Ignored.

It is now 566 days since the first NGR train, number 701 was towed out to Wulkuraka.  These trains are still NOT in revenue passenger service, and there are no signs that these trains will be introduced anytime soon.  Continued problems with the aging Queensland Rail train fleet are leading to constant cancellations of services and delays.  Don't forget we already have reduced service timetables and these cancellations are making life hell for many.  The situation is rapidly becoming completely unacceptable with grave implications for the rail service leading up to and during the Commonwealth Games.

It is time the public were given the full details of this botch.  After all, we are paying for it.  No cash bonuses for the average punter are there?  Just continued disrupted travel, loss of wages, increased child care costs, emergency taxi fares and lateness for appointments, work, school, study and social commitments.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg197441#msg197441 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905840548375699456

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/905844437716107264

[ozbob]

I had a report of NGR 713 sighted at Ipswich railway station the other day ..   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/906919121513725953

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/906923710933753856

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th September 2017

Next Generation Rollingstock a.k.a. Not Going Right trains (NGR)

Good Morning,

Day 569 today since NGR 701 first towed out to Wulkuraka!

Not looking too good is it?  Mechanical issues continue with Queensland Rail's aging train fleet? (See > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg197594#msg197594 ).  There are constant service cancellations, delays and reduced service as a result.

How long before the NGR trains are in passenger revenue service?  When will the importing of the remaining trains on order start up again?

So many questions, so few answers.  The biggest botch in the history of public transport in Queensland this NGR fiasco, and the bumblers bumble on ...

It is now day 346 since the first wave of cancellations associated with rail fail too by the way. First anniversary looms.  Always best to be informed.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg197688#msg197688 ]

[ozbob]

Days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/sarahelks/status/907087615920238592

The Australian --> Too expensive to scrap deal to build trains in India: Palaszczuk

The Queensland Labor government will not tear up a contract to build trains in India — rather than jobs-starved regional Queensland — because taxpayers would have to pay a "huge" compensation bill.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Cabinet have begun their charm offensive in Labor's must-win marginal seat of Maryborough today, kicking off a photo-opportunity-studded week of "governing" from the battleground Wide Bay region, 250km north of Brisbane.

Ms Palaszczuk and her deputy, Transport Minister Jackie Trad, this morning announced $70m in taxpayers' cash would be spent in Maryborough at local employer Downer EDI, for train maintenance.

The business — which has had a workshop in the southeast Queensland town for more than 100 years — said it could hire 20 extra staff on the back of the announcement.

But Ms Trad said it would cost too much for taxpayers in compensation if the government scrapped a contract — signed by the former LNP government — to build new trains in India.

"We have had a look at that, it's commercial in confidence, the compensation," Ms Trad said. "But as with (all) contracts, if you break them, you are up for a huge amount of money, a huge amount of compensation."

"...that would see an incredible amount of Queensland taxpayer dollars going towards compensating (train manufacturer) Bombardier, for the ripping up of the contract. Quite frankly, we've got an obligation to make sure Queensland taxpayer dollars are spent in the best way possible."

Queensland has taken delivery of some of the Indian-made trains under the contract, but significant design flaws have been discovered.

Ms Trad said LNP leader Tim Nicholls — the Treasurer in the Newman government — should come to the Downer workshop and explained why he "off-shored" some of their jobs.

Making the $70m announcement this morning, Ms Trad thanked her union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, for "their advocacy" for local manufacturing.

"I just want to end by congratulating you as a workforce, congratulating Downer, but also acknowledging the work of the AMWU ...(for) ensuring we keep manufacturing jobs in this state."

AMWU Brisbane-based executive officer Ann-Marie Allan praised the government's $70m announcement and it was a coup for the Downer workforce, which she said was 99 per cent unionised.

"It's about giving the workers a voice and this gives them the confidence of permanent jobs," Ms Allan told The Australian.

First-term Labor MP Bruce Saunders holds Maryborough by just 1.1 per cent, making it one of the minority government's most marginal seats in the state. Neighbouring Bundaberg, held by fellow first-term Labor MP Leanne Donaldson, is on an even narrower margin of 0.5 per cent.

Both seats are vulnerable to Pauline Hanson's resurgent One Nation

[#Metro]

They should release the contract publicly, with any 'commercial in confidence' numbers redacted.

You have to ask why the contract is confidential, given that the people of Queensland are paying for it.

What are they afraid of? Is it because a competitor might see the contract and undercut them with a better deal in the future??

If the trains are not fit for purpose (they are not) then is there is a route to break the deal?

[ozbob]

" design flaws "

LNP signed off on the design..  Sure have some explaining to do...

[ozbob]

9 News --> Trad: Qld will honour NGR Trains deal

Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has ruled out cancelling the contract with Indian company Bombadier over its problematic NGR trains, saying doing so would be a huge waste of money.

Ms Trad joined Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Maryborough Labor MP Bruce Saunders on Monday to announce local rail company Downer EDI had been awarded almost $8 million in rail maintenance projects, and preferred tenderer status for a further $62 million in upcoming rolling stock overhauls.

Those contracts are for regional rail services including the Westlander, Spirit of the Outback and Kuranda Scenic Railway, however major overhauls are underway on the NGR trains at a facility in Ipswich.

Fifteen of the 75 ordered have been delivered over the past year, with the government halting anymore until major design faults are worked out.

Ms Trad was asked on Monday whether tearing up the Bombardier contract was an option, but said things were too far along for that to be viable.

"That would see an incredible amount of Queensland taxpayer dollars going towards compensating Bombardier for the ripping up of the contract," Ms Trad told reporters.

"We've got an obligation to ensure taxpayers' money is spent the best way possible."

The transport minister pointed the finger at the previous Liberal National Party government for making the deal, accusing them of ordering "half-price trains from India."

Ms Trad insisted the trains were still on track to be up and running by the end of this year, and would be available for an increased timetable in April next year for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said the Downer announcement was Labor playing catchup, after the LNP committed $200 million to upgrading the Sunlander service.

"We also supported the work Downer was doing in Maryborough to build QR's new long-distance travel trains and refurbish the existing Sunlander fleet, and we expanded that program," Mr Nicholls said in a statement.